Should I replace leathers after 10 years?
Discussion
SVS said:
I've been using the same leather pants for over a decade. Should I replace them? I've cleaned and fed the leather every year. The leathers still look and feel remarkably good, but how long does stitching remain strong?
HahaI can beat that.
Mine are now 14 years old, bought from a stand at a MCN bash at Butlins, Skeggy.
They fit like a glove. A baggy glove!!
All stitching is still complete, even after a couple of commuter speed offs.
All zips work too, only thing that has given up the ghost is the elasticated area in the belt due to the increasing pressure it is put under
Moe Lester said:
SVS said:
I've been using the same leather pants for over a decade. Should I replace them? I've cleaned and fed the leather every year. The leathers still look and feel remarkably good, but how long does stitching remain strong?
HahaI can beat that.
Mine are now 14 years old, bought from a stand at a MCN bash at Butlins, Skeggy.
Only they seem to have shrunk some time around 1980 and have't been worn since. Had a look at them the other week when I was tidying some stuff up in the attic and compared to my current girth they seem to have shrunk even more. I also still have a jacket I bought in 1975 - been down the road once but still looks OK. But it too shrunk years ago to the point I can't even get it on, let alone zip it up.
My BKS 2 piece is now 19 years old and gets used for my commute (150 miles plus per day) for about 6 months of the year as well as my Euro tours and the occasional weekend/evening blast. Other thn the replacement of a few zips it still cleans up like (almost) new although it has shrunk a little around the middle!!!
If the stitching, zips etc. are fine and the leather is looked after then there's not need to replace them.
If the stitching, zips etc. are fine and the leather is looked after then there's not need to replace them.
Keep them another 10 years, then you can ebay them as "retro biker leathers" and some cool kid will give you more than original list for them ....old biker wear seems to be some of the best investments you will make 
..at least that's what I think when I see all the old belstaff or Lewis bike jackets on ebay for hundreds of pounds, remembering when I sold them to slimmer mates in the 80s for £15
..at least that's what I think when I see all the old belstaff or Lewis bike jackets on ebay for hundreds of pounds, remembering when I sold them to slimmer mates in the 80s for £15
bogie said:
Keep them another 10 years, then you can ebay them as "retro biker leathers" and some cool kid will give you more than original list for them ....old biker wear seems to be some of the best investments you will make
There's a market for retro biker leathers?Mine are mid-70's 'baggy bum' (pre-dated stretch panels) race leathers in black with orange and yellow stripes down the arms/legs. Also still got the Griffin helmet I had at the time, and a pair of Belstaff boots I remember buying in about '77. Hmmmm
maybe I should be de-cluttering the attic and visiting eBay... tvrolet said:
bogie said:
Keep them another 10 years, then you can ebay them as "retro biker leathers" and some cool kid will give you more than original list for them ....old biker wear seems to be some of the best investments you will make
There's a market for retro biker leathers?Mine are mid-70's 'baggy bum' (pre-dated stretch panels) race leathers in black with orange and yellow stripes down the arms/legs. Also still got the Griffin helmet I had at the time, and a pair of Belstaff boots I remember buying in about '77. Hmmmm
maybe I should be de-cluttering the attic and visiting eBay... not sure about helmets or gloves, but certainly other old quality branded kit seems to sell well...you never know, those old Belstsaff boots might be collectors items to some geek out there
Yes: [boffin]Skin cells only live 2-3 weeks, so they are continually being replaced.[/boffin]
I'm also uncertain how long seam burst strength remains reliable in stitching. However, I think I'll give my leathers a clean and feed for another year's use. Leathers ain't cheap to replace.
I'm also uncertain how long seam burst strength remains reliable in stitching. However, I think I'll give my leathers a clean and feed for another year's use. Leathers ain't cheap to replace.
A good quality set of leathers should give you 15-20 years service, and you’re more likely to change shape and struggle to fit into them, before they lose their functionality!
It is the seams that are the weak point on leathers.
Seams are held together by cotton or nylon-bonded thread and should be checked regularly for fraying or pulled threads.
It is the seams that are the weak point on leathers.
Seams are held together by cotton or nylon-bonded thread and should be checked regularly for fraying or pulled threads.
On the topic of leathers, anyone got a two piece for sale?
I've always stuck to textiles as I sweat a fair amount and like to wash them and hate to arrive somewhere stinking but since i've moved much closer to my workplace I barely use my bike, only for fun, so leathers would be suitable again.
Nothing much on ebay for a decent price sadly. Wish I never gave my mate my ebay bargain £35 Suomy 2 piece
Matt.
I've always stuck to textiles as I sweat a fair amount and like to wash them and hate to arrive somewhere stinking but since i've moved much closer to my workplace I barely use my bike, only for fun, so leathers would be suitable again.
Nothing much on ebay for a decent price sadly. Wish I never gave my mate my ebay bargain £35 Suomy 2 piece
Matt.
Edited by 13aines on Sunday 4th October 16:08
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